My 1991 190E 2.6 with 100k miles has been diagnosed as requiring engine mount replacement.

I would like to know:-

1. Is this a job that can be accomplished by a reasonably adept home mechanic?

2. What are the parts required?

Any advise from folk who have performed this job is greatly appreciated

Regards,
Neil.

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Neil.


1991 190E 2.6 170k
1995 E320CA 57k
1999 Chevy Tahoe 98k
2000 R1150GS 45k
1983 300CD 178k - sold, but not forgotten

At dealer the job is less than 1 hour.
You need a 8mm allen socket & 17mm socket & wrench.
Overall not a hard DIYer job.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
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190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
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Retired Moderator

What did you notice was wrong with the car?

There is a pronounced 'clunk' when shifting to 'reverse' first thing in the morning. Then again, when shifting to 'drive'.
Also, take your foot of the gas whilst accelarating in 2nd or 3rd gear - and the 'clunk' occurs when the transmission shifts to 4th.

I originally thought this a rear-end /diff problem, however, all of the rear diff mounts seem to be OK (no play).

The actual diagnosis was made by Haus of Mercedes - Santa Ana.
However, I would hesitate to recommend this outfit - the estimate for the last job kept increasing once they had my car in for repair. 2nd & 3rd opinions have since suggested that my transmission simply needed an adjustment rather than a complete (& expensive) overhaul.

I have just had a quote for the 190E engine mounts, $78:47 ea from local Mercedes dealer.
I will check prices with Partshop prior ordering and doing the job myself.

__________________
Neil.


1991 190E 2.6 170k
1995 E320CA 57k
1999 Chevy Tahoe 98k
2000 R1150GS 45k
1983 300CD 178k - sold, but not forgotten

After running the car up onto ramps, I plan to jack-up the motor - by placing a stout piece of wood between the oil pan and jack. Is this technique OK?
Can anyone recommend an alternative?

Thanks.

__________________
Neil.


1991 190E 2.6 170k
1995 E320CA 57k
1999 Chevy Tahoe 98k
2000 R1150GS 45k
1983 300CD 178k - sold, but not forgotten

I dont think that your problem is the mounts!!
I strongly believe that your problem is caused by the flex disks! Flex disks are placed in between the transmission flange and the drive shaft! and when they are worn, they cause transmission clunks and shifting problems!! I changed both of the flex disk (front and rear 'there is also one for differential') on my 190E and no more clunks!
This is definitly your fix...I have no doubt!
Let me know what happens, and dont ever take dealers word...they are a bunch of liars!

Thanks for the tip.

Is there any other way to determine flex disk wear V. motor mounts?


I hear that the motor mounts are fluid filled and give out after approx 100k miles.

__________________
Neil.


1991 190E 2.6 170k
1995 E320CA 57k
1999 Chevy Tahoe 98k
2000 R1150GS 45k
1983 300CD 178k - sold, but not forgotten

You can find out about the condition of your flex disks by getting under the car, and with a flashlight, look for cracks and disfiguration. I would actually recommend that you change both flex disk and motor mounts anyway because they wear out after 10 years or 100-150K miles depending on how you drive your car! Motor mounts are filled with hydraulic fluid and by now, it should be hard as a rock.:p Symptoms are engine vibration felt inside the car, and you car feels like a massager!
Hope this helps! :p

Swapped the mounts on Saturday. I used ramps and a trolley jack. Not a difficult job, but gaining access to the drivers side 'top bolt' was tricky.

Did it solve the problem?
Yes and no.

The car feels smoother with less vibration from the engine.
However, the clunk - when shifting into reverse or between forward and reverse, remains the same.

The clunk is most noticable when the car is cold and becomes almost un-noticable after my 25 mile commute.

Took a look at the 'front' flex disk. No cracks in the rubber, but there seems to be evidence of play/movement where the prop-shaft bolts onto the flex disk. Have not yet inspected the rear.

__________________
Neil.


1991 190E 2.6 170k
1995 E320CA 57k
1999 Chevy Tahoe 98k
2000 R1150GS 45k
1983 300CD 178k - sold, but not forgotten

Those Flex disks are in their fragile state right now and they can tear apart anytime. My front flex disk tore apart due to excessive wear (thank god I was pulling in to my garage at the time.) so change them both and it only costs 70 bucks for both and few hours of labor. I replaced both myself + changed the tranny fluid and filter! it took about a few hours!

Have just completed installation of new transmission mount and replaced front and rear flex disks. The clunk has now gone ;-)

....however, during my commute this morning, I noticed a distinct vibration at 30mph, 45 mph and 75mph.

My thoughts are that this may be prop-shaft related.

During the flex disk job, I detached the propshaft centre mount - to assist with disconnecting and reconnecting each end of the propshaft (to renew the flex couplings). Everything seemed to go back OK (no left over parts etc...)

Any sugestions?

__________________
Neil.


1991 190E 2.6 170k
1995 E320CA 57k
1999 Chevy Tahoe 98k
2000 R1150GS 45k
1983 300CD 178k - sold, but not forgotten

Make sure every bolt is tightened to the right torque and that the flex disks are fitted into the transmission flange and prop shaft properly!

After reading this thread it sounds like my engine mounts need to be replaced. When my car is in neutral the idle is smooth, but when in drive and at a complete stop, the entire car shakes.

Is this an indication of moter mounts needing replacement?

thanks
Rik

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1993 500E
http://2phast.com/500e/500e-sig.jpg

I just changed my motor mounts a few days ago and what a difference. The car is smooth when its in drive. When I took the old motor mounts out and compared them to the new one's, the old mounts were dryed up and they were compressed so badly that they were not absorbing any vibrations. My car sure feels like brand new now!

I recently replaced motor mounts, transmission mount and flex disks (front & rear). Not difficult jobs if you have wheel ramps, axle stands & a jack.

I now have a car that is much smoother to drive. No more clunks when shifting between Neutral, Forward & Reverse.
Also, no more clunks when up/down-shifting.

Although the old motor mounts looked OK, they were in fact compressed when compared to new.

The old transmission mount looked OK, but was less rigid than the new item.

The old flex disks looked OK too, but on closer inspection, the metal sleeves (where the bolts go through) were loose.

Lastly, the vibration I noticed after doing the above work seems to have gone, although I plan to re-check all bolts this weekend - during replacement of gear selector bushing.

__________________
Neil.


1991 190E 2.6 170k
1995 E320CA 57k
1999 Chevy Tahoe 98k
2000 R1150GS 45k
1983 300CD 178k - sold, but not forgotten